{
  "id": 7952058,
  "title": "MEA debunks reports of BRICS leaders falling ill after India summit; calls claims fake",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/mea-debunks-reports-of-brics-leaders-falling-ill-after-india-summit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T04:25:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mea-debunks-reports-of-brics-leaders-falling-ill-after-india-summit-calls-claims-fake-11789618621274.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed reports alleging that several world leaders experienced health issues following the BRICS Summit held in India, labeling the claims as \"fake.\" The ministry's fact-checking unit issued a warning via a post on X, cautioning against the spread of \"malicious\" posts on social media platforms. The MEA's statement followed the announcement by the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who informed that he would be absent from public engagements due to reported ill health. The 73-year-old president had been advised by medical professionals to rest and recuperate. Ramaphosa had returned from the summit on Monday and has since been adhering to medical advice, with ministers stepping in to represent him at scheduled events where possible. Meanwhile, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also recuperating from a minor medical procedure, though he has emphasized that work and delegated responsibilities will continue under the capable team in his office with other stakeholders in government, business, and other sectors. Unverified reports had also surfaced suggesting that Chinese President Xi Jinping had left the BRICS Summit early due to medical reasons, returning via a special plane. The BRICS Summit in India saw participation from the bloc's leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.",
  "summary": "MEA has debunked reports claiming several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in India. The ministry called the social media posts fake and malicious, amid reports about South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "MEA Debunks ‘Fake Alert’ Reports Claiming World Leaders Fell Sick After 18th BRICS Summit In Delhi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/mea-debunks-fake-alert-reports-claiming-world-leaders-fell-sick-after",
        "published": "2026-09-17T05:23:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}